Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

Reviewed by Lori
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
Title: Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type

Author: Doreen Cronin

Pictures by: Betsy Lewin

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 55796

Description: When Farmer Brown's cows find a typewriter in the barn they start making demands, and go on strike when the farmer refuses to give them what they want.

Guided Reading Level: M




Curriculum Links: 

  • Character Ed: Perseverance
  • Reading: Transforming
  • Reading: Narrative
  • Science: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
  • Social Studies: Our Changing Roles and Responsibilities
  • Writing: Letters
  • Writing: Persuasive

Lori's Notes: 

Design: This is a simple book.  The title is cute and is sure to be intriguing for young students - cows that type!  How many students know what a type writer is anymore!  It would be fun to bring one into the class to allow students to try.  The front and end papers are a red/brown that (to my eyes) mimic the colour of the barn, as if once starting the story we are being invited inside the barn to see what those silly cows are doing!

Content and Illustrations: This is a fun story that alternates narration and letters between the cows and the farmer.  The cows are cold and want blankets.  In fact, so do the chickens.  The farmer just wants his milk and eggs!  Until they can come up with a solution no one is getting what they want! Students will enjoy hearing this story read aloud, if only to say Click, Clack, Moo!  The illustrations are simple and yet still comical.  The text is large, bold and easy to read.  And, appropriately the font is different between the narrative sections and the letters.  In the end, it seems the ducks may actually have the last word!

Recommended Audience: Kindergarten to Grade 3
  • A good book if working on letters or persuasive writing.
  • A nice title for the character trait of Perseverance
  • A good discussion title if talking about farms and farm communities

Inquiries and Activities: 
  • What is it the cows want from the Farmer?
  • Create a list of animals and people you might find on a farm.
  • Besides animals what other things might be on a farm.
  • Bring in a typewriter.  Allow students to try typing.  How does a typewriter compare to a computer?  Is it easier or harder to use?
  • What are the responsibilities of the people and animals on a farm?

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